Today, 4 days after round two of chemo, I am still Puke Face. There is just no other way to describe how I feel. Despite an absolutely beautiful, sunny, warm and perfect Santa Barbara day, I have been in the horizontal position for the majority of it.
The HOTY (Husband of the Year) came home this afternoon and thoughtfully suggested that we go out for a drive (SL). To get some air and sun. To see the beautiful ocean. Sounded like such a nice way to take my mind and body off of spewing. We hopped (well, as much as I can “hop”) on California State Route 192 (the back road from Santa Barbara to beautiful oceanside community of Summerland) and about 1/2 through the drive (that included curve upon curve upon curve), I added carsickness to my day. FFS (For F**k’s Sake).
So, I kept my eye on the horizon (because that’s what I was taught to do if seasick on a boat), took some deep breaths and came home. To bed.
Silver Lining ? Tennis. I love tennis. Watching it. Playing it. Dressing for it. And guess what? The Australian Open was on!
I watched Rafael Nadal defeat Bernard Tomic, 6-2, 7-5, 6-3. It was a great match. Tomic is a newly-turned 18 year-old superstar who gave Rafa some pretty tricky moments. Tomic played super tennis. He ran out the match and played the same great tennis in the 3rd match as he did in the first match. Tomic’s performance was a strong willed class act (as was Rafa’s). The crowd was also great, seemingly simultaneously cheering for Australian native Tomic AND Rafa (or maybe that was me?).
And the best part? Watching this match was a GREAT anti-emetic (anti-barfing) activity (from the horizontal position). For me, there is something magical about watching the little yellow ball go back and forth and back and forth. Very calming to both my mind and my belly.
Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.
-Arthur Ashe
I'm sorry you're feeling so rotten honey. Hang in there; you are so strong and optomistic your sunshine personality will guide you back to health. Thinking of you so much. xoxo
I just want you to know that I think you are amazing and I love the Brookside blog! I look forward every day to reading your blog and seeing how you are progressing. My money is on you!!!!
Loved the Tomic v. Nadal match also! The 2nd set was so exciting. Glad tennis helps calm the system. BTW – have you tried aromatherapy for the queasiness? I get motion sickness (including the 192 highway if I'm not driving), and I always carry a small bottle of lavender/geranium oil with me. Doesn't cure it, but it definitely has an overall calming effect. Glad to bring some by for you try. xo
oooooooh, Iknow, I know…hang in there, you're one more treatment closer to the end of FBC!
I'm again going to suggest old black and white movies, I found them so calming that now when I hear the TCM pre-film music, I automatically relax!
xo